We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How Do I Choose the Best Built-In Microwave?

By Patrick Lynch
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A built-in microwave adds convenience to the kitchen. Choose between standard and convection models while ensuring the capacity is sufficient for the kitchen’s needs. Other tips for choosing the best built-in microwave include selecting a model with a high wattage and a turntable. Pick a design that blends in best with the kitchen, and only purchase a product that is within the household budget and comes with the specific features desired.

When choosing a built-in microwave, consider its function. A standard microwave can only cook specific pre-made meals and heat food. A convection microwave combines the features of a microwave and a convection oven. This means it is possible to grill, cook, and microwave.

A built-in microwave choice also depends on its capacity. Built-in models tend to be larger than compact ones with the medium sized variety the most common. Larger microwaves prepare meals such as roast chicken and turkey and have an increased number of "auto-cook" options.

The higher the wattage of a built-in microwave, the quicker it will cook. It should be noted that the power rating specified on the product by its manufacturer is its absolute maximum power. The best microwaves allow users to cook with several different power settings.

It is best to choose a built-in microwave with an attached turntable. Attempting to buy this important component separately could prove problematic. It is far too easy to order the wrong sized plate. Microwaves lacking turntables do not operate as efficiently because the food will only be penetrated to a certain level by the heating waves.

As there are dozens of different built-in microwave designs, choose one that best suits the kitchen’s decor. Try and match it with the other appliances in the kitchen in terms of color and style. As a built-in model has an exhaust fan, it is also necessary to ensure the kitchen has enough room to accommodate it.

Since built-in microwaves can be expensive, only purchase one that offers needed options. There should be features such as child lock, defrost, auto program, and a removable rack, Search for models that are easy to clean and do not scratch easily either internally or externally.

A final consideration for a built-in microwave is budget. Built-in models are more expensive than their countertop rivals to begin with. Make sure to have a budget and stick with it. Do not be tempted by models with fancy features that may never be used.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By bear78 — On Nov 26, 2013

@ZipLine-- If you get a well know brand, more then likely, you will be fine. I have a Sharp built-in microwave. My sister has a Panasonic one and my neighbor, a Kitchenaid. They all work perfectly fine.

I do recommend a convection microwave or a combination microwave though.

By burcidi — On Nov 25, 2013

@ZipLine-- Built in microwave ovens seem to be a hit or miss. I know people who have been using theirs for twenty years without any problems. I also know people who had to change theirs after just four years.

It's a good idea to read reviews before investing in a built-in microwave. It's also a good idea to not get one that's ridiculously expensive in case that it does not last as long as expected.

My solution to this problem has been to get a countertop microwave and place it in my custom made cabinets like it's built-in. The cabinets slide over so if the microwave does break, I can easily replace it. If you're in the process of getting custom made cabinets done, I highly recommend doing this.

By ZipLine — On Nov 24, 2013

When I bought it, all that I cared about my built-in microwave was its dimensions and the color. I just wanted it to fit perfectly and match my kitchen. I wish I had put more thought into it because after three years, the microwave is broken. It costs a lot to get it fixed and new ones cost a lot as well. I wish I had gotten something that would have lasted longer.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.